As of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Daksum–Sinthan road (NH-244) remains closed to all vehicular traffic. This closure is a safety precaution following significant snowfall and the formation of ice on the road surface, which has made the carriageway extremely slippery and hazardous

As of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Daksum–Sinthan road (NH-244) remains closed to all vehicular traffic. This closure is a safety precaution following significant snowfall and the formation of ice on the road surface, which has made the carriageway extremely slippery and hazardous.    
*The stretch between Daksum (Anantnag district) and Chhatroo (Kishtwar district), including the high-altitude Sinthan Pass.
* Cause: Accumulation of fresh snow (approximately 3–5 inches at the pass) and subsequent icing.
* Restoration Efforts: The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has deployed teams to sprinkle salt and urea to melt the ice and improve traction.
* Enforcement: Local authorities, including the SDM Kokernag and the SHO Larnoo, have set up barricades at designated checkpoints to prevent unauthorized movement.
Travel Outlook
The Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) is currently the primary alternative, though it is experiencing slow movement due to single-lane traffic at points like Banihal and Nashri.
| Road/Pass | Status | Note |
|—|—|—|
| Sinthan Top | Closed | Icy conditions; salt/urea treatment in progress. |
| Mughal Road | Closed | Heavy snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali. |
| Sgr-Leh Road | Closed | Snow at Sonamarg and Zojila. |
| Jammu-Srinagar NH | Open | Daytime travel highly recommended. |
The weather forecast for the Daksum area remains very cold, with daytime highs around -4°C and nighttime lows dropping to -16°C. These freezing temperatures mean that ice will likely continue to reform quickly, potentially extending the closure.
Would you like me to monitor for any official reopening announcements or provide the latest traffic helpline numbers for the Jammu/Srinagar Control Rooms?